These days, if you even hear the words, “I’m sorry,” or “I apologize,” there’s likely to be a qualification as in, “I’m sorry if you’re offended.”

Parsing words has become almost a science with public officials, but if we’re going to hold them to a higher standard, we’d better embrace one ourselves. A proper apology begins with owning your guilt. It should sound something like this: “I’m sorry if I was wrong; will you forgive me?”

Then, you need to recognize that the discomfort your sin has brought on you is deserved. You accept judgment you’ve rightly incurred, but hope for mercy from the one you’ve wronged.

And these truths are nowhere more important than with your interactions with God. You can’t fool Him; He knows your heart. So search your heart and pray accordingly!